Inside the Partisan Battle over America’s 250th Birthday

New York Times: “A decade before America’s 250th anniversary, Congress created a bipartisan commission to coordinate the festivities. The commission, named America 250, was supposed to build infrastructure projects, produce educational materials and facilitate “all fitting and proper activities” for the celebration.”

“But as July 4 nears, a separate organization called Freedom 250, created by President Trump, has taken over the handling of the biggest and boldest events…”

“The story of how there came to be two groups working on the anniversary celebrations — one created by Congress and the other by Mr. Trump — is a tale of government dysfunction and deep partisanship at what would normally be a moment of national unity. And behind the scenes, the power struggle has been driven by a president who is willing to push Congress aside and bring his own personal brand to the country’s marquee celebrations.”